Feliz Navidad!

Traditions: This isn't our first Christmas in Zacatecas, but it's definitely been one of the best. Yesterday, was Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). The whole family got together, played games, and had a huge potluck feast; posole verde, pasta salad, Waldorf salad, relleno and sidra. I made/brought stuffed baked potatoes. They were a huge hit!

Regalos: Some families in México, like José's, open presents (regalos) on Noche Buena. We bought the Fruit Ninja Kinect game for the kids. They love it! Esperanza already has a high score of 512. My in-laws got me new dress pants for work. José and I are gifting each other a romantic seafood dinner out that we'll be taking tomorrow night!

Aprovecha: One of my favorite things about this time of year in México is the traditional Ponche Navideño (Christmas Punch). A cousin to Apple Cider; it has the same warming sensation, includes similar holiday spices, but contains several ingredients, native to México, which give it a unique flavor. Full of Vitamin C and sugary sweetness, it's a great addition to any holiday party or stay-in on a cold winter's night. Here's how to make it...

Ponche Navideño
 A recipe from the kitchen of: Rosa Méndez

Makes 12-15, 2-cup portions.
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 1 hour.

Ingredients:

~ 6 liters of tap water (+/- 1.5 gallons)
~ 1 cup granulated sugar

~ 1 orange (or mandarin) halved
~ 5 guavas, quartered
~ 2 apples, cubbed, seeded
~ 10 tejocotes, halved, seeded
~ *4 whole tamarinds, shells pealed
~ 1 whole cinnamon stick
~ **2 stalks sugarcane, pealed, cut, and sliced


Supplies:
~ 8 quart stock-pot
~ a long ladle

Directions: Fill stockpot 3/4 of the way up with tapwater. Set stove to high heat. Meanwhile, prepare fruit, sugarcane, and set aside. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add the sugar. Stir until disolved. Bring sugar water to a rolling boil. Combine all of the fruit, sugarcane, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a rolling boil. Turn heat to medium low. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until apples are soft, stirring every 10 minutes. Serve immediately with caution. Enjoy with or without fruit pieces.
Optional: Add a shot of vodka or rum to each mug for some extra Christmas cheer!

*You can find all of these ingredients, including tamarinds and tejocotes, at La Michoacana Meat Market or Fiesta Mart during Christmastime.
**If sugarcane is unavailable, substitute 1 additional cup of sugar.

Let me know if you tried the recipe, or have any questions! Thanks for reading! Feliz Navidad!

Aprovecha el día,
Charlotte (Carlota)